Discrimination Against Women’s in Indonesia

Discrimination is any harassment, exclusion that is directly or indirectly based on

human differences or the basis of social status, gender that result in reduction, deviation or use
of human rights especially in women (Women Discrimination. 2016, Oct 19). In Indonesian
society, women performed vital roles both within family and in society. However, the
awareness about Indonesian women discrimination is still being underestimated. The existence
of paradigm about the position men and women, effected to their human right as women. For
example, cases that occurred in 2014, cases of virginity testing in the process of selecting
recruitment of prospective police officers (female police). This video recorded videos of
interviews with HRW (Human Rights Watch) with women who supported virginity tests in the
process of recruiting policewomen. Interviews were conducted in Bandung, Jakarta, Padang,
Pekanbaru, Makassar, and Medan. They feel embarrassed and feel very humiliated. This only
happens to women while men don't need that, In this problem it can be see that discrimination
towards women happens, since there no connection of a capable, tough and professional cop
with someone's virginity (Tiga Kasus Mendiskriminasi Perempuan Indonesia 2016 , April 16
). It is a real and sad problem that continues to exist in modern society, which happens until
now in many aspect of women life such as employment, to get education better , and
appearance.

First is about employment aspect. Women labour force participation is significantly

lower than men’s in Indonesia. From data contained in the report "Women in the Workplace"
compiled by the ILO, at the global level in 2015, the recruitment ratio of women was 46
percent, while men were almost 72 percent. As many as 1.3 billion women are employed, while
men reach 2 billion people. Global average female and male wages are estimated at 23 percent(
ketika perempuan di nomer duakan di dunia kerja 2017 , March 16). In addition, women and
men have significant differences in employment. Even though in article 65 paragraph (1) of
Law Number 12 of 2003 states that each political party participant can provide results for the
DPR, Provincial DPRD and Regency / City DPRD for each region by taking into account 30
percent representation of women. However in the mix, said Estu, the representation of women
sitting in the legislature is currently only around 15 percent. this is unfair, women become
retarded in terms of work and men dominate the rest of the seats. "Women are still in various
fields, the forms vary. There are acts of violence, social stigma, domestication, and
marginalization or marginalization," said Estu (Kompas,2016). From this statement, women
who occupy strategic positions in their jobs cannot be separated from the negative stigma.
Women are often seen as not able to make decisions or make policies as well as men. Whereas
women can become professionals like men, and women can also be assertive in work, such as
the Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, regarding
protection towards Indonesia seaborder.

Second, Education is very important. However, discrimination often occurs because

women are considered weak in terms of education, knowledge, and skills. Education can make
all the difference to a woman life, not just economically, but for her human development too.
Without proper education, it is impossible for you to get good life. Just like one of the points
that are fought by R.A. Kartini, every woman has a right to get equal chance to get proper
education, from basic level to university. There should be elimination of stereotype thought
about men’s role and women’s role in every aspect and level of education, including an equal
chance to get scholarship. However, there are still many women who do not have good
education. One of the reasen is young marriend. For example, Marriage of junior and secondary
school students in West Sulawesi, marriages of teenagers aged 13 and 14 in Bulukumba, South
Sulawesi, child marriages in West Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and various other regions. The
reason is that one of them was forced by his parents and culture aspect. Marriage of children
under 18 years is the same as blocking the 12-year compulsory education program, even the
Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) is given until the age of 21 years. That is, failure to access 12 years
of education has made it difficult to get decent work(dw.com, 2017). Every women deserve a
good basic education, because in the near future those women become a good mother.

The last is about appearance, Fashionable and attractive appearance is a priority for
employees. Fashionable appearance is always interpreted as a way of dressing, makeup, and
overall actualization that is sufficiently attached to female employees in public life. whereas
appearance is important for men and women, but appearance can trigger discrimination
especially for women. In everyday life, women are vulnerable to being judged negatively
because of their appearance. It turned out that it also carried over to the professional world.
According to the latest research, women tend to be underestimated mainly because of weight
when applying for jobs. For the example, Mary Clare wants to realize her dream of being a
flight attendant. Mary Clare decided to register as a flight attendant after she graduated from
college it. For 24 times applied and the last 25 is finally accepted (Bangkapos.com, march
2018). From this case we can see that there is discrimination because appearance problems can
make women not accepted in society. Whereas don’t do the same thing as women.
Discrimination must be eliminated, because standard appearance and specific problems for
men and women's appearance must be the same. Only with weight problems and appearance
of women who were rejected when applying for jobs. whereas, women can do their activities
without having to look like what was meant above. Discrimination against appearance can
prevent women from getting work. In connection of that, do not ever discriminate against
women who do not have a good appearance when applying for a job. Do not be seen from the
appearance alone.

In conclusion, discrimination exist in women’s life , such as work, to get a better

education, and appearance. in the field of work, women are very minimal in getting a job. Many
of them are considered unable to accept many tasks or are considered not strict in making
decisions in the world of work. in fact, many women are resolute and can make decisions wisely
like Susi the Indonesian Minister. In education, women are still very underdeveloped. many of
them did not meet the minimum 12 year study set by the government because marriage.
Moreover, that in the aspect of appearance, women are always encouraged to be able to look
pretty , attractive. Whereas men are not required to do so.People should minimize
discrimination that occurs of women in Indonesia . The government must uphold women's
rights in the future, one of the efforts to minimize the occurrence of discrimination.
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